Push is on to renovate vacant properties in Rochester

ROCHESTER — In an effort to improve the city's image and attract new business to the Lilac City, members of the community are initiating steps to get vacant downtown properties renovated and occupied.

“There are so many beautiful buildings that need to be renovated, that need to be invested in,” said Economic Development Specialist Mary Ellen Humphrey during the Business Round Table discussion held on Tuesday.

After the meeting, she said there are several vacant spaces that would benefit the downtown if they were renovated and utilized, either as apartments or as businesses.

These spaces include the vacant lots on Hanson and Academy streets; the upper floors of 10 North Main St.; and the upper floors at 73-77 North Main Street, located across the street from the courthouse.

“They were at one time beautiful buildings ... it's about time to get them back there,” said Humphrey.

The challenge has been attracting the investment into the properties, and motivating landowners to make improvements, said Humphrey. In some cases, the cost of renovating is higher than the value of the building.

Humphrey said that a combination of incentives, such as tax credits and block grants, can be part of the solution in motivating property owners to invest in their buildings, some of which have been vacant for several years.

Last spring, a group of interested citizens met at the Chef's Table on Hanson Street, toured the vacant properties downtown, and discussed potential avenues for bringing the necessary investment into the properties.

Later this month, that same group will meet with an expert who will give direction on what incentives can bring about such investment.

“There are incentives out there but they are very limited,” said Humphrey. “Getting from here to there is a windy road but we are getting there.”

She said some successes are already happening downtown.

At 68 South Main St., the upstairs is being renovated into market rate apartments.

“That's a good indication that someone is willing to invest in their property,” said Humphrey.

In addition, she said steps are now being taken to renovate a vacant property at 22 South Main St., saying, “It looks like something nice is going in there.” Humphrey said she could not provide more detail on the development at this time.

According to Main Street Director Michael Provost, 15 percent of retail space downtown is vacant, and 85 percent is now occupied.

“2013 looks a lot brighter,” said Humphrey. “The economy is looking so much better.”

When it comes to apartments, Humphrey said that well-maintained properties, which justify higher rent, tend to attract tenants more willing to take care of that property. In turn, the tenants contribute to the downtown economy, by visiting shops and dining at the restaurants.

During Tuesday's meeting, the discussion on the Lilac City image turned to not only the vacant lots downtown, but also to residential areas where properties are not well-maintained.

Mark Laurion, of Professional Arts Center on Winter Street, said that landlords having a more selective criteria for their tenants would likely improve the city image.

Police Officer Tracy Hayes, who at times describes her position as a “community liaison,” said economy can be a big factor when it comes to tenants and maintenance of property.

She said at times, landlords having trouble renting their properties are willing to overlook potential tenants' credit history, background, and any previous trouble with police.

Also, she said some landlords who live outside of the city may not be aware of their tenants' activities.

As part of the compliance task force, Hayes and former State Trooper Sheldon Perkins are looking how other communities and states are dealing with the issue.

“The landlords will be key,” said Building Safety Director Jim Grant.

He recalled that several years ago, the city developed an “unruly tenant policy,” which mirrored that of Franklin, but the idea unraveled with lack of landlord engagement.

Hayes noted that some tenants are willing to damage property while being aware that under the law, it's not a criminal offense; rather, it's considered a civil issue.